Arabian Peninsula states launch plan to eradicate malaria

The countries of the Arabian Peninsula have agreed to donate $17m (£9m; €13m) to implement a malaria eradication programme in Yemen in an effort to achieve a malaria free peninsula.

Yemen is the only country in the peninsula that still has a high burden of malaria. Figures from the World Health Organization estimate the indigenous incidence of malaria in Yemen to be 700 000 to 800 000 cases a year. About 1% of these cases result in death.

The plan to eradicate the disease was established jointly by WHO, Yemen's Ministry of Health, and the Gulf Corporation Council. Although approved in principle by the council in November 2006, the organisers of the programme are currently waiting for the council, whose members are …